Meet Katie Troutman

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Katie Troutman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Katie below.

Katie, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

For me, confidence comes from knowing what this program is providing. It comes from believing in the people I surround myself with and knowing that every one of them has the same goal- that each child that attends any of our Awaken Education programs will be unconditionally celebrated, supported and included.
Confidence also comes from my belief that we all have value and purpose, so there is no reason not to feel confident if we are all doing our own thing, in our own lane.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My husband Grant and I met almost 20 years ago working at an inclusive summer camp as support teachers. Since then, we have worked as inclusive educators in a variety of settings before starting what we consider the perfect setting for inclusion: Superheroes Club. We are passionate about changing the world through early inclusive education, so during the pandemic we decided to take a leap and design the program that we knew could make a positive difference for all of the children attending. For years, we were able to witness first hand the amazing impact of inclusivity on all of the children in the inclusive classrooms. We saw children treat each other with more respect and empathy, problem solve and create new ways to connect. Obviously, the world needs so much more of all of this and it truly does start with the children.
Our groups are nature-based and focused on positive social and emotional development through play. We consider ourselves a space for everyone and will do whatever we can to make that happen, starting with a very small teacher to child ratio of amazingly engaged and present teachers. Nature is probably the best co-regulator, so between Mother Nature and our SHC teachers we have the support needed to welcome everyone where they’re at. Our goal has been to create an environment where every child feels welcomed, included and can be themselves while building confidence. It seems simple, and so much goes on behind the scenes to make it possible, but the biggest piece is that everyone wants see everyone else succeed.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

For me personally, my observational skills have been key. Everyone on the team has their own gifts and one of mine has always been my ability to notice the small things and patterns that seem insignificant, but actually hold the most information. When you’re working with young children or children who have language delays, you have to consider everything communication. I’ve been lucky enough to observe dozens of classrooms and therapists and follow kids through their preschool and elementary experiences, and my ability to observe them and what makes a difference for them has absolutely been key in developing Superheroes Club.
Another skill that I think has been key is that I am an “I’ll figure it out” person and so is my husband Grant. If we know we’re going in the right direction for one of the kids in our program, we will absolutely figure out what needs to be done and do it.
The third skill that I believe is a game changer is my ability to surround myself and the kids with the best people and vibes possible. Our teachers know every child is capable of their own greatness and they are there to celebrate and support them.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes! We can’t make the world more inclusive if we are separate. We want our little superheroes to have every experience in the community possible! And we love to give back, so joint projects and volunteer work are always welcome. We love to collaborate, hear how others are spreading inclusion and support programs in becoming more inclusive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://awakeneducationllc.org
• Instagram: @superheroesclub23

Image Credits

Scott Gross
Tyrice Freeman